Bicycle Seats

ABSTRACT

A seat for a pedal-powered vehicle includes a support frame, a left seat element, a right seat element, and a nose. The left and right seat elements and the nose are implemented as separate components supported by the support frame. The two seat elements support a seated rider&#39;s weight while the nose does not. The seat elements and the nose form a gap below the seated rider&#39;s perineum area. The seat elements pivot forwards and backwards when the seated rider is pedaling. The seat elements counter-pivot when the seated rider is pedaling. Each seat element includes a concave surface that supports the seated rider.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application62/740,348, entitled “Bicycle Seat Designs,” filed Oct. 2, 2018, thesubject matter of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to bicycle or other pedal-poweredvehicle seats, and more specifically, to bicycle seats that are bothcomfortable and supportive.

2. Description of the Related Art

Standard bicycle seats are not well designed for the human body. Sittingon a bicycle seat compresses tissues and organs and restricts blood flowin the perineum area. Excessive pressure on the ischia tuberosties (IT'sor “sit bones”) causes discomfort over prolonged periods of time. Seatsthat are convex also tend to apply pressure and separation forces to thepelvic bones. The static nature of these seats causes chafing andfriction at the transition between a body and a seat. All of theseissues cause both comfort and potentially long term medical issues tocyclists.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Described herein are bicycle seats that improve rider comfort. Thebicycle seats increase the seat support surface area to redistributepressure and minimize peak pressure points, while allowing the body andlegs to move freely in a motion that promotes optimum biomechanics andpower transmission to the pedals of the bike. Compared to conventionalbicycle seats, bicycle seats described herein have a larger and morecontoured (cupped in a convex surface) surface area that provides agreater pressure redistribution. In various embodiments, the seatsurfaces of the separate seat elements rotate in opposite directions foradded stability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention has other advantages and features which will be morereadily apparent from the following detailed description of theinvention and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example bicycle seat, according toone embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a surface of the seat element,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a seat padding, according to oneembodiment.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate a seat element pivoting during a bike ride,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3E illustrates a position of a pivot axis of the seat element,according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are a perspective view of an example seat, according toone embodiment.

FIGS. 4C and 4D are plan views of a screw mechanism for adjusting seatelements, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates adjusting a seat element using velcro, according toone embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates adjusting a seat element using a slider, according toone embodiment.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate adjusting a seat element, according to oneembodiment.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate a differential for counter-pivoting seatelements, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate a mechanical linkage for counter-pivoting seatelements, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cable linkable for counter-pivoting seat elements,according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate adjusting a tilt of a seat element, accordingto one embodiment.

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate adjusting a tilt of a seat element, accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates adjusting a tilt of a seat element, according to oneembodiment.

FIGS. 14A-14E illustrate adjusting a seat element, according to oneembodiment.

FIGS. 15A-15B illustrate adjusting a seat element, according to oneembodiment.

FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate adjusting a seat element, according to oneembodiment.

FIGS. 17 illustrates adjusting a seat element, according to oneembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example bicycle seat 100, accordingto one embodiment. The illustrated bicycle seat 100 includes seatelements 102, 106, a nose 110, and a support frame 112. The seatelements 102, 106 as well as the nose 110 are separate and supported bythe support frame 112. The seat element 102 (106) has a surface 103(107). The seat element 102 (106) includes a pivot 104 (108) thatconnects the seat element 102 (106) to the support frame 112. The seatelements 102, 106 pivot forwards and backwards relative to the supportframe 112. The support frame 112 includes a seat adjustment mechanism(not shown) and a seat transmission mechanism (not shown). The seatadjustment mechanism allows adjustment of the separation between theseat elements 102, 106 to accommodate anatomy of different users. Theseat transmission mechanism rotates the seat elements 102, 106 inopposite directions. The seat elements 102, 106 support a seated rider'sweight while the nose 110 does not. The nose 110 provides lateralstability, for example if the rider is standing while pedaling or duringcornering or aggressive maneuvers. The nose 110 preferably is strongenough to support the rider's weight, at least for short periods oftime. All components are further described below.

Seat Surfaces

The seat element 102 (106) has an ergonomically contoured surface 103(107). FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a surface of the seat element102, according to one embodiment. As illustrated, the seat surface 103is concave shaped and provides support to a rider seated on the seatelement 102. The terms “rider” and “user” are used interchangeablyherein. Compared to convex or flat seat surfaces, the concave surface103 provides increased surface area to reduce surface pressure thatcauses discomfort from prolonged sitting. The motion of the hips andlegs causes the seat element 102 to pivot forwards and backwardsrelative to the support frame thereby to maintain maximum surfacecontact for consistent pressure relief. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 3A through 3D, the seat element 102 pivots forwards and backwardssuch that the surface 103 maintains contact with a rider's hip and legarea. FIGS. 3A through 3D illustrate different phases of a riding cycle.To improve the seat pivoting, the pivot axis can be placed behind aseated rider's center of gravity. The center of gravity is typicallylocated in the area of maximum load or the location of the IT. Oneexample is illustrated in FIG. 3E. The pivot axis 352 is behind the sitbone position 354.

To provide comfort and support, the seat elements preferably providelarger contact areas with the rider. Because the seat elements pivot asthe rider is pedaling, the seat elements can be made in dimensions thatwould interfere with a rider's pedaling if the seat elements did notpivot. In some designs, the seat element has an edge-to-edge length ofat least 60 mm, and an edge to edge width of at least 120 mm (acrossboth seat elements).

Referring back to FIG. 2A, the surface 103 is elongated at the frontsurface with a progressively softer leading edge 206 that allows formore surface area, and better contact with the seat to assure rotation.Without this softer transition area on the thigh, high cadencerotation/oscillation of the seat is not as effective. This zone alsoreduces the stress line at the front of the seat surface for morecomfort. A seat element may be attached with a seat padding thatprovides grip and additional comfort as well as stability. One exampleis illustrated in FIG. 2B.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a seat padding 250, according to oneembodiment. The seat padding 250 can be attached to and/or detached froma seat element. Different seat padding may be used for differentmorphology, gender and types of cyclists. The seat padding 252 holds andstabilizes the user from sliding forward during forward rotation,especially at the transition area 252 between gluteus maximus and thehamstring muscle. The seat padding 252 preferably does not interferewith the hamstring muscle or tendon.

Adjustment of Seat Elements

Users can adjust the seat elements, for example, the separation betweenthe seat elements. Separation of the seat elements 102, 106 can beadjusted to accommodate the geometry of pelvis and to relieve the strainon the pelvic symphysis cartilage. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of theexample seat 100. As previously described, the seat elements 102, 106have concave surfaces. The distance 401 is the distance between theportions of the seat element 102 that support the ischialtuberosities—IT's. The distance 401 can be adjusted to accommodate thegeometry of pelvis. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the example seat100. The distance 402 is the lateral separation between the opposingedges of the seat elements 102, 106. The lateral separation 402 can beadjusted to substantially eliminate the strain on the pelvic symphysiscartilage that holds together the pelvic arch. Separation strain iscaused by traditional convex bicycle seat surfaces by spreading apartthe IT's. In FIG. 4B, the seat elements 102, 106 are more widelyseparated than in FIG. 4A.

In the example of FIG. 4, the seat 100 includes a mechanical screwseparation mechanism 410 that can be maneuvered to adjust the distances401, 402. FIGS. 4C and 4D are plan views of the mechanical screwseparation mechanism 410 in an expanded state (wider separation of seatelements) and a compressed state (narrow separation of seat elements),respectively. In the illustrated example, switching between differentstates of the mechanical screw separation mechanism 410 can be adjustedby rotating the center screw 412. Rotating the center screw 412clockwise (or counter-clockwise) expands (or compresses) the mechanicalscrew separation mechanism 410 which in turn increases (or decreases)the distances 401, 402.

In some embodiments, in a seat element 102 (106), the relative positionof the pivot 110 (or 112) can be adjusted. FIG. 5 illustrates adjustingthe relative position of the pivot 104 in the seat element 106. Asillustrated, there is Velcro between the seat surface 107 and the pivot104. A bottom 502 of the seat surface 107 includes male Velcro (+) andthe top surface of the pivot 104 includes female Velcro (−). The pivot104 can be separated from and attached to the seat surface 107 via theVelcro. When attached, the top surface 504 of the pivot 104 contacts thebottom surface 502 of the seat surface 107. Adjusting the relativeposition of the pivot 104 (or 108) in the seat element 102 (or 106) canin turn adjust the distances 401, 402. Separating the seat surface fromthe pivot further allows users to replace seat surfaces with differentlevels of contouring. Modular seat elements offer flexibility andcustomization. Users can install different seat elements on a supportframe.

In some embodiments, sliders are used to adjust separation of the seatelements 102, 106. FIG. 6 illustrates adjusting the relative position ofthe pivot 104 in the seat element 102 via a slider 604. As illustrated,the bottom surface 602 of the seat surface 103 includes a slider 606.Specifically, the top surface 604 of the slider 606 is secured to thebottom surface 602 of the seat surface 103. The pivot 104 includes agroove 607 for receiving the slider 606. By sliding the slider 606 inthe groove 607, the relative position of the pivot 104 can be adjusted.Adjusting the relative position of the pivot 104 (or 108) in the seatelement 102 (or 106) can in turn adjust the distances 401, 402.

In some embodiments, a sliding mechanism is used to adjust separation ofthe seat element 102, 106. FIGS. 7A through 7C illustrate adjusting therelative position of the pivot 104 relative to the support frame 112. Inthe illustrated example, only the shaft of the support frame 112 isshown. As illustrated in FIG. 7C, three screws 701 can be secured tocompress the boring of the pivot 104 on the support frame thereby tointerlock the pivot 104 to the support frame 112. Releasing the threescrews 701 allow the pivot 104 to slide along the support frame 112thereby to adjust the distances 401, 402. For example, compared to theseat element's 102 position in FIG. 7A, the seat element 102 is furtheraway from the center of the support frame 112 in FIG. 7B.

Seat Transmission

In various embodiments, the seat elements 102, 106 counter-pivot. Thatis, the seat elements 102, 106 pivot in opposite directions. The supportframe 112 includes a transmission system that counter-pivots the seatelements 102, 106. The purpose of the counter-pivot is to: 1) mimic thenatural movement cycle of the legs during cycling, and 2) provide anopposing reaction such that the user does not slide out of the seatunintentionally (action/reaction). In various embodiments, thetransmission system can include a differential, a mechanical linkage, ora cable linkage. During cycling, when one leg pedals downward, the otherleg pedals upward. The contour of the seat surfaces corresponding to theupward moving leg provides most of the forward stability. Bycounter-pivoting the seat elements, forward slippage of the pelvis isreduced. This provides additional pelvic stability during the rotationcycle.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the seat 100 including a differential 800 forcounter-pivoting seat elements 102, 106. The support frame 112 includesthe differential 800 as a part of a transmission system. The supportframe 112 also includes shafts 802, 804 that drive rotation of the seatelements 102, 106, respectively. The differential 800 couples andcounter-rotates the shafts 802, 804. Specifically, the co-axial geartrains 806-809 counter rotate the shafts 802, 804. The counter-rotationof the shafts 802, 804 counter-pivots the seat elements 102, 106. FIG.8B is an enlarged view of the differential 800.

FIG. 9A is a line drawing illustrating a mechanical linkage 900 forcounter-pivoting seat elements 102, 106. The support frame 112 includesthe mechanical linkage 900 as a part of a transmission system. Theillustrated mechanical linkage 900 includes bodies 901-903 connected atjoints 905,907. The body 901 is connected to the seat element 106 viathe joint 910, and the body 903 is connected to the seat element 102 viathe joint 911. The bodies 901 and 903 move in opposite directions due tothe pivot 906. In the illustrated example, the joints 905 and 907 aresliders. The joints 910 and 911 are hinges.

FIGS. 9B-D illustrate different positions during operation of an examplemechanical linkage 900. FIG. 9B illustrates a “neutral” position of themechanical linkage 900. The bodies 901, 903 are substantially verticallyoverlaping with each other. The seat elements 106, 102 are substantiallyin the same plane that is parallel to the ground. FIG. 9C illustratesone extreme pivoting state of the mechanical linkage 900. The body 901is more elevated than the body 903. The body 901 moves upward and thebody 903 moves downward, which counter-pivots the seat elements 106,102. Similarly, FIG. 9D illustrates the opposite pivoting state of themechanical linkage 900. The body 901 is less elevated than the body 903.The body 901 moves downward and the body 907 moves upward, whichcounter-pivots the seat elements 106, 102.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cable linkable 1000 for counter-pivoting seatelements 102, 106. The terminal 1001 (1002) of the cable linkage 1000 isconnected to the bottom surface of the seat element 106 (102). The cable1000 may be enclosed in a sheath 1003. When a user's right leg pushesdownward on the front portion of the seat element 102, the seat element102 moves downward and pivots forwards. The cable 1000 causes the seatelement 106 to move upward and pivot backwards. Tilt Adjustment

In some embodiments, a tilt of the seat elements can be adjusted by arider. The tilt of the seat surfaces can be adjusted to reposition auser's pelvis if the user adjusts posture. FIGS. 11A-11C illustrateadjusting a tilt of the seat surface. The tilt of the seat surface canbe measured by the angle 1102 relative to the ground, which reflects theforward tilt of the body and pelvis. For example, the tilt pivotsforwards (backwards) and the angle 1102 increases (decreases) for a moreengaged and performance (relaxed and upright) posture. FIG. 11A shows amore upright posture and a less tilted seat. FIG. 11C shows a moreaggressive posture and a more tilted seat. FIG. 11B in in between. Aspreviously described, the seat includes a transmission system that canimplement a variety of ways for counter-pivoting the seat elements.Adjusting the tilt of the seat elements is further described inconnection with FIGS. 12 through 15. In various embodiments, the ridercan adjust the tilt of a seat element during riding.

FIGS. 12A through 12D illustrate adjusting the tilt of a seat element ina transmission system including a differential. The differential 800 iscoupled to a slider 1200. The position of the slider 1200 can beadjusted thereby to adjust the tilt of the seat element. The position ofthe slider 1200 can be adjusted by hand as illustrated in FIG. 12B. Inother embodiments, the position of the slider 1200 can be adjusted byrotating a screw 1202 as illustrated in FIG. 12C. Tensioning or relaxingthe cable 1204 can also adjust the position of the slider 1200 asillustrated in FIG. 12D. In some designs (such as in FIG. 12d ), thetilt of the seat surfaces and/or the separation of the seat elements canbe adjusted while the user is riding.

FIG. 13 illustrates adjusting the tilt of a seat element in atransmission system including a mechanical linkage. By tensioning cable1304, the whole mechanism is pulled down. This implies that the seatpads 102, 106 tilt up to return to a horizontal position. On the otherhand, relaxing the cable 1304 lets the whole mechanism rise up. Thisimplies that the seat pads 102, 106 tilt down. A spring and a screw helpto adjust the angle. Additional Seat Adjustments

FIGS. 14A-14E illustrate adjusting a seat element, according to oneembodiment. In this example, seat elements 102, 106 can be rotated toadjust their separation. FIG. 14A shows a top view of the seat and FIG.14B shows the bottom view. In these figures, the seat element 102 canrotate about pivot point 1402. The position of the seat is fixed by afeature 1403 that travels along arc 1404. For example, feature 1403 maybe a screw thread that aligns with slot 1404, with a bolt or otherfastener fixing the position. This mechanism allows a fan-like motion,as shown in FIGS. 14C-14E. In FIG. 14C, the seat is configured for sitbones with a separation of 110 mm. The width of the seat is 132 mm. FIG.14D is for 125 mm sit bones-with a seat width of 147 mm. FIG. 14E is for138 mm sit bones with a seat width of 160 mm.

FIGS. 15A-15B and 16A-16B illustrate lateral adjustments of a seatelement, according to additional embodiments. FIGS. 15A and 15B show topand bottom views of a seat with one seat element 102 installed. Thelateral position of the seat element is adjustable along the directionof the slots 1504, i.e. along the right-left direction. The seat element102 may contain screw threads 1503, with bolts used to fix the positionof the seat element.

FIG. 16A shows a top view of another seat with one seat element 102installed. FIG. 16B shows a bottom perspective view of the seat element102. FIG. 16C is an exploded view of the seat. The lateral position ofthe seat element is adjustable along two dimensions. The bottom piecehas two slots 1604 along one direction, and the seat element 102 has twocorresponding slots 1603 along the perpendicular direction. This allowsfor adjustment along both directions.

Other adjustments are also possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 17,the seat elements 102, 106 may be rotated along an axis 1702, 1706oriented along the forward-backward direction. That is, the seatelements may be rolled right or left. This may be used to raise or lowerthe center of the seat relative to the edges. If the right seat element102 is rolled to the right while the left seat element 106 is rolled tothe left, this will raise the center of the seat relative to the edges.

Body Stability and Alignment on the Seat

The nose 110 provides stability during cornering, and also guides theuser into proper alignment and position on the seat surface. Cyclistsrely on the nose of the bike during cornering and aggressive maneuversto provide stability as the seat may come into contact with their innerthighs. The nose of the seat also provides a guide to properly alignmentthe body on the seat after repositioning or standing up in the pedals.The seat nose 110 and the seat surfaces 103, 107 form a gap below auser's perineum area. This gap relieves pressure and minimizes frictionto the perineum area to prevent discomfort and chafing. In addition, theaerodynamic design reduces drag and increases airflow in the perineumarea, improves comfort, and reduces moisture that causes related skinconditions. The design eliminates the need for padded bicycle shortsthat tend to absorb and hold moisture and heat that causes discomfortand skin conditions. Soft materials may also be used in this gap region.This may give the illusion of a more traditional seat while stillfunctioning the same with respect to pressure relief.

The seats described herein can also be used in other pedal-poweredvehicles such as tricycles, unicycles, aircrafts, paddle boats,hydrocycles, and the like.

Although the detailed description contains many specifics, these shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but merely asillustrating different examples and aspects of the invention. It shouldbe appreciated that the scope of the invention includes otherembodiments not discussed in detail above. Various other modifications,changes and variations which will be apparent to those skilled in theart may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the methodand apparatus of the present invention disclosed herein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in theappended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention should bedetermined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

In the claims, reference to an element in the singular is not intendedto mean “one and only one” unless explicitly stated, but rather is meantto mean “one or more.” In addition, it is not necessary for a device ormethod to address every problem that is solvable by differentembodiments of the invention in order to be encompassed by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A seat for a pedal-powered vehicle, comprising: asupport frame; and a left seat element, a right seat element and a nose;wherein each is implemented as a separate component supported by thesupport frame, and the two seat elements support a seated rider's weightwhile the nose does not.
 2. The seat of claim 1 wherein the seatelements and the nose form a gap below the seated rider's perineum area.3. The seat of claim 1 wherein the seat elements pivot backwards andforwards when the seated rider is pedaling.
 4. The seat of claim 3wherein the seat elements are counter-pivoting when the seated rider ispedaling.
 5. The seat of claim 4 further comprising at least one of: adifferential that counter-pivots the seat elements, a mechanical linkagethat counter-pivots the seat elements, and a cable linkage thatcounter-pivots the seat elements.
 6. The seat of claim 3 wherein theseat elements are so long that the seat elements would interfere withthe seated rider's pedaling if the seat elements did not pivot.
 7. Theseat of claim 6 wherein each seat element has a length of at least 60mm.
 8. The seat of claim 3 wherein a pivot axis for the seat elements islocated behind the seated rider's center of gravity.
 9. The seat ofclaim 1 wherein each seat element includes a concave surface thatsupports the seated rider.
 10. The seat of claim 1 wherein each seatelement includes a forward edge that is softer than a main supportsurface of the seat element.
 11. The seat of claim 1 wherein each seatelement has more padding and grip where the rider's hamstring meetstheir gluteus maximus.
 12. The seat of claim 1 wherein a lateralseparation of the two seat elements is adjustable by the rider.
 13. Theseat of claim 12 further comprising at least one of: a screw mechanismfor adjusting the lateral separation of the two seat elements, and aslider mechanism for adjusting the lateral separation of the two seatelements.
 14. The seat of claim 1 wherein each seat element has a pivotpoint, and a lateral separation of the two seat elements is adjustableby the rider rotating the seat elements about their pivot points. 15.The seat of claim 1 wherein a lateral position of each seat element maybe adjusted by the rider along two dimensions.
 16. The seat of claim 1wherein a tilt of the seat elements is adjustable by the rider.
 17. Theseat of claim 16 wherein a tilt of the seat elements is adjustable bythe rider while riding.
 18. The seat of claim 1 wherein a roll of theseat elements is adjustable by the rider.
 19. The seat of claim 1wherein the seat elements are modular, so that different seat elementsare installable by the rider on the support frame.
 20. The seat of claim1 wherein the vehicle is a bicycle.